When is the last frost in Paradise, CA?

For ZIP code 95969, the average last spring frost (32°F) is February 7, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Paradise, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after April 1.

When is the first frost in Paradise, CA?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 18. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 26, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 95969?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 313 days long.

Are these frost dates a forecast?

No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.

Frost dates for 95969Paradise, CA

The average last spring frost in Paradise is February 7 and the average first fall frost is December 18, giving a typical growing season of about 313 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Feb 7
Average first fall frost: Dec 18
Growing season: 313 days

Frost risk by date

NOAA reports frost dates as probabilities. The middle date is the average (a 50% chance). For spring, the 10% date is a safer planting date: frost after it happens in about 1 year in 10. Light frost (36°F) can damage tender plants; a hard freeze (28°F) kills most annuals.

Spring dates: chance of a frost AFTER the date. Fall dates: chance of a frost BEFORE the date.
Temperature	Last spring: 90% / 50% / 10% chance	First fall: 10% / 50% / 90% chance	Growing season (50%)	Years with at least one
Light frost (36°F)	Feb 17 · Mar 31 · Apr 27	Nov 11 · Nov 29 · Dec 18	242 days	100%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Dec 27 · Feb 7 · Apr 1	Nov 26 · Dec 18 · Jan 27	313 days	92%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 11 · Jan 5 · Feb 14	Dec 8 · Dec 31 · Feb 9	365 days	35%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 95969 is matched to the NOAA station Paradise, CA, 1.5 km away, at 1,750 ft elevation (48 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Paradise, CA (used)	1,750 ft	Feb 7	Dec 18
De Sabla, CA	2,710 ft	Apr 17	Nov 11
Chico Univ Farm, CA	185 ft	Mar 4	Nov 17
Oroville, CA	171 ft	Jan 30	Dec 13

Frost dates near Paradise

Paradise, CA 95967 · last Feb 7, first Dec 18
Forest Ranch, CA 95942 · last Apr 17, first Nov 11
Magalia, CA 95954 · last Apr 17, first Nov 11
Oroville, CA 95965 · last Jan 30, first Dec 13
Chico, CA 95928 · last Mar 4, first Nov 17
Stirling City, CA 95978 · last Apr 17, first Nov 11
Durham, CA 95938 · last Jan 29, first Dec 7
Canyon Dam, CA 95923 · last Jan 30, first Dec 13

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Paradise, CA?: For ZIP code 95969, the average last spring frost (32°F) is February 7, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Paradise, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after April 1.
When is the first frost in Paradise, CA?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 18. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 26, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 95969?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 313 days long.
Are these frost dates a forecast?: No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.